It takes years of meticulous preparation and a lifetime of training. This is put to the test in one grueling day. A day which starts off with a 3.8 kilometer swim, followed by a formidable 180.2 kilometers of cycling, and immediately after that, a full 42.2 kilometers marathon run. This is the IRONMAN.

What began as a novel idea among a group of 15 friends back in 1978 is today an international sporting event regarded as the ultimate test of human fitness and endurance. Beyond the supreme fitness and endurance, it takes a fierce commitment to excellence to be able to finish the race. Professionals may take a little more than 8 hours while amateurs can take up to 17 hours.
 
For the first time, the IRONMAN triathlon comes to the shores of Malaysia. It makes its debut on the tropical haven of Langkawi, duty free island, land of legends and mystifying charm. With this inaugural race, Malaysia joins the ranks of a limited number of qualifier zones of the IRONMAN Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii.

Come 28 May 2000, the glitter of this jewel of Kedah Darul Aman will add a new shine when some 500 international triathletes make their bid to take the limits of human endurance to greater heights.

   Ironman Malaysia Triathlon - it is more than a test of body and mind, it is a total commitment to excellence.

Below is Ironman Triathlon map: